Mercury-Free Dentistry, The Alternative to Toxic Teeth

Many of us have had silver fillings, but holistic dentists in Preston have made noticeable metal fillings a thing of the past. Aside from creating a more appealing smile visually, mercury-free fillings may also be better for your general health. Despite warnings and scientific proof that composite fillings are a better option than metal fillings, many patients are not well-informed as to the benefits of mercury-free restorations and the risks associated with the use of amalgam fillings.

The Poisons in our Teeth clearly explain why amalgam (silver) fillings are hazardous to our general well-being and health. Mercury amalgam fillings continuously release mercury vapor, the most poisonous, naturally occurring, non-radioactive substance on earth, into your body. The mercury amalgams emit contributes to over 100 health issues, including:

• heart disease
• autoimmune diseases, such as, fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis )
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• Allergies and bleeding gums
• neurological problems, including  anxiety and  memory loss
• Sleep disturbances and restlessness

 Eighty percent of the mercury vapor released from amalgam fillings is inhaled. Once inhaled, it passes quickly through the lungs, into and then out of the bloodstream, and gathers in every cell of the body. As it accumulates, it poisons cells and tissues, particularly the brain and the central nervous system.

Mercury-Free Dentistry  as the phrase implies, is the practice of using dental materials for fillings that don't contain mercury. It also includes using safe removal techniques when existing metal restorations are removed. These safe removal techniques minimize the patient's exposure to mercury when old restorative materials are removed.

The mission of Biologic dentistry or so called organic dentistry is to provide a minimally invasive approach that considers the whole patient’s health rather than an isolated symptom, through the use of natural, safe, and gentle methods. Now there are alternatives to those old fashioned metallic-colored, potentially toxic mercury fillings. Your holistic dentist would be able to offer Biocompatibility testing.

Mercury-free fillings are a great choice if you need new fillings or want to replace the old metal ones. The advantages using these metal free restorations include:

•         No release of toxins into the body
•         Reduced sensitivity to heat and cold
•         Aesthetically appealing and more natural looking
•         Stronger bonding to prevent future tooth fractures
•         Less vulnerable to pain when biting

Different types of Metal-Free restorations available are;

1. Composite Resin dental fillings are made of a plastic dental resin. They are strong, durable, and create a natural looking smile (tooth colored).
2.   Porcelain fillings are also available and have certain advantages. These fillings require less of your natural tooth material to be removed and don’t transfer hot and cold temperatures as much as metal fillings do.
3. Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the application of a durable resin material to the tooth.

If you have unsightly amalgam fillings, tooth discoloration, or uneven teeth, it may be to your advantage to have porcelain veneers. While these coverings will not necessarily add any strength to your teeth, they will make them look much more attractive.

Tooth veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and dental porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated. Depending on the size of the area that needs to be filled in, your dentist may need to do a small amount of drilling. Typically, most patients do not require anesthesia for this process.  

The bottom line: heavy metal toxicity is a problem and mercury is at the top of the list. Consider this. It is illegal for mercury to be disposed of in the trash, in public sewage water, or in landfills. What's more, dentists who use it must handle it as a toxin prior to putting it in their patients' mouths. Yet, it is still widely used as a reliable restorative material in dentistry!

To arrange for mercury-free dentistry, or to learn more about the alternative options available to you , contact your Holistic dentist in Preston  at 01772-726932